Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Celebrates 25th Anniversary with ‘Let Freedom Ring Gala’ featuring Robert C. O’Brien Keynote Conversation
January 26, 2023 – Malibu, CA – The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary Saturday, February 11 with the Let Freedom Ring Gala, featuring a reception and dinner at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library at 6 PM.
The theme “Let Freedom Ring” is derived from the Pepperdine University Affirmation Statement, which declares in part “that freedom, whether spiritual, intellectual, or economic, is indivisible.” The event will be an inspiring evening looking back at the unique program’s history and looking forward to its exciting future with a keynote conversation led by former U.S. ambassador and national security advisor and distinguished senior fellow at Pepperdine School of Public Policy Robert C. O’Brien.
“The Pepperdine School of Public Policy is an exceptional place for academic excellence
where our nation’s future leaders are forged – which is why it will be a privilege
to deliver the keynote address at the 25th Anniversary Gala next month,” said O’Brien.
“Supporting the next generation of American leadership and intellectual ambition is
key to maintaining a strong, secure world. For 25 years, Pepperdine’s School of Public
Policy has equipped young Americans with the tools necessary to serve in state, local,
and federal governments.”
Opening its doors to the first class of graduate students in 1997, the Pepperdine
School of Public Policy remains committed to America’s founding principles while promoting
viewpoint diversity in preparing tomorrow’s policy and political leaders. Over 1,000
SPP alumni are serving throughout the country and worldwide in positions of influence
across government, nonprofit and private sectors—each able to evaluate public policy
through the lenses of history, culture and quantitative analysis.
“More than an anniversary, the School of Public Policy's 25th year is proof of our
commitment to a certain set of principles over a quarter century,” said School of
Public Policy Dean Pete Peterson. “Our theme – ‘Let Freedom Ring’ – summarizes and
embodies our affirmation of ordered liberty and equal opportunity in public policy.
I'm excited that our gala will not only look back but cast a vision forward to how
we will continue to realize our own founding principles under the wings of Air Force
One at the Reagan Library.”
This anniversary year has already included several historic announcements including
the launch of a new academic center, the expansion of programs in Washington, D.C.,
and the addition of world-renowned faculty.
Registration for the Let Freedom Ring Gala is open and available here.
About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located
30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University
enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian
values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
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